The new St. Pete Pier was designed with criteria established by a citizen-led group, and unprecedented community input. There are so many varied facets to the new Pier, it truly will have “something for everyone.” Whether you want to ride your bike along the waterfront, fish on the deck at the Pier Head, take your kids or grandkids to the playground, learn about the Tampa Bay estuary or simply enjoy the views, the Pier will offer a myriad of activities.
This is not your grandmother’s Pier. This Pier will have ride-share bikes, an electric tram, solar covered parking to provide power to the Pier, and electric vehicle charging stations. There are new breakwaters to help calm occasional rough seas, protect sea grasses, and expand Spa Beach. This Pier will be higher than the previous one, designed for sea level rise with buildings designed to withstand significant storm events. LED lights will illuminate the Pier at night.
The Discovery Center will offer environmental education to all visitors. The concrete from the old Pier has been repurposed to shore up the bulkhead around Albert Whitted Airport.
All major tenants have been selected:
- TEAK, Inc. will offer an upscale restaurant (Teak) a rooftop bar (Teaki) and a café (Driftwood Café)
- Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille will be located on the south side of the Pier Approach. The restaurant’s name and theme are based on the novels by New York Times best-selling author Randy Wayne White.
- United Park Services (UPS) will operate the Pavilion Café, which will offer “grab and go” food items as well as other, healthy, interesting and traditional food selections. UPS will also operate the Bait Shop at the Pier Head.
- Tampa Bay Watch will operate the Discovery Center, mid-way out to the Pier Head. They will offer dynamic interactive exhibits that will educate the public and showcase the Tampa Bay estuary, as well as classroom space for school field trips and summer camp programs. They will also provide management services for the center as an event venue for corporate meetings and special events.